How long can a Stratotanker stay in the air?

How long can a Stratotanker stay in the air?

The Air Force projected that E and R models have lifetime flying hour limits of 36,000 and 39,000 hours, respectively. According to the Air Force, only a few KC-135s would reach these limits by 2040, when some aircraft would be about 80 years old.

Can a KC-135 be refueled in the air?

The KC-135 Stratotanker provides the core aerial refueling capability for the United States Air Force and has excelled in this role for more than 60 years. This unique asset enhances the Air Force’s capability to accomplish its primary mission of global reach.

How many KC-135 are there in the Air Force?

Engines are purchased directly by the Air Force from CFM International. Boeing has completed work on a program to re-engine all KC-135As in the Air Force Reserve and Air National Guard fleet — a total of 161 airplanes.

What does KC stand for in aircraft?

KC indicates a tanker aircraft. C by itself is a cargo plane. E.g. C-130, C-17. If modified, other letters get prefixed. First instance, the RC-135 is a strategic reconnaissance aircraft.

How much fuel does a KC 135r hold?

The KC-135 can haul either 83,000 pounds of cargo, airlift up to 80 passengers or carry 202,800 pounds of JP-4 jet fuel, most of which is transferable for global refueling missions.

What does KC in KC-135 stand for?

K = Tanker. V = VIP. C = Cargo. The C-135 is a military Boeing 707, so the KC-135 is the tanker version.

How far can a KC-135 fly?

5,000 miles
Technical Specifications

First flight Aug. 31, 1956
Range 5,000 miles
Ceiling 41,000 feet
Power Four 13,750-pound-thrust P&W J57 turbojet engines
Accommodation 4 crew, 80 troops

How many planes can a tanker refuel?

Tankers can be equipped with multipoint hose-and-drogue systems allowing two (or more) aircraft to refuel simultaneously, reducing time spent refueling by as much as 75% for a four aircraft strike package.

How much fuel can a KC-135?

How much fuel can a KC 10 carry?

CHARACTERISTICS. The KC-10A tanker can deliver 200,000 pounds (90,719 kg) of fuel to a receiver 2200 statute miles (3539.8 km) from the home base and return, or it can carry a maximum cargo payload of 169,409 pounds (76,843 kg) a distance of 4370 statute miles (7031 km).

What does the KC mean in KC-135?

What does a KC-135 weigh?

98,470 lbs
Boeing KC-135 Stratotanker/Weight

Where is the KC-135R now?

The KC-135R is assigned to the 92nd Air Refueling Wing, Fairchild Air Force Base, Wash. While deployed at Manas AB, the KC-135R and its aircrew were assigned to U.S. Central Command’s 376th Air Expeditionary Wing, flying missions supporting coalition aircraft over Afghanistan.

How many results returned for Boeing KC-135R in aircraft model?

455 results returned for ” BOEING KC-135R ” in Aircraft Model. (Maximum results allowed: 1000).

What is the purpose of the KC 135 Stratotanker?

KC-135R Stratotanker The KC-135 Stratotanker’s primary mission is to refuel long-range bombers. It also provides aerial refueling support to Air Force, Navy, Marine Corps and allied aircraft. Four turbojets, mounted under wings swept 35 degrees, power the KC-135.

How many people can a KC135 refueler carry?

Specifications Primary Function: Aerial refueling Crew: Four or five; up to 80 passengers. Date Deployed: August 1965. Unit Cost: KC-135R, $53 million; KC-135E, $30.6 mil Inventory: Active force, 457; Reserve, 30; ANG, 158

author

Back to Top